Unit 3 – Adultery, Rhetoric, and a Red Letter

16 Pages·2012·0.09 MB·English

Unit 3 – Adultery, Rhetoric, and a Red Letter
AP Language and Composition
Mr. Coia

Name: _________________________Date:______________ Period: ________

Fri 10/26 Tues 11/6
• Quiz TSL 1-6 • Quiz TSL 16-20; RT Quiz 1-50
• Lecture on Hawthorne • Paper sharing
• Themes: Alienation; Appearance v. • TSL film clip:
Reality; Breaking society’s rules http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NlU
• Define: Ignominy and Physiognomy etVd4rsw
• Character Quotations • Class discussion/sharing passages
• Collect one passage for each of the • Using hyphenated adjectives sheet—
four main characters add one or two to your paper
• Film Clip: Opening scene
HW: chapters 21-end; questions
HW: chapters 7-10; questions
Thurs 11/8
Tues 10/30 • Quiz TSL 21-24
• Quiz TSL 7-10; RT Quiz 1-45 • Class discussion/sharing passages
• Discussion on questions/rhetoric • Watch final scaffold scene
• Visual Rhetoric: Analyzing TSL cartoons • Watch an alternate ending to the book
• Using participles to begin sentences • Describe Character Recipe assignment
• Writing time
HW: chapters 11-15; questions
HW: Type Character Recipe
Thurs 11/1
• Quiz TSL 11-15 Wed 11/14
• AP Practice 4/4 • RT Quiz 1-55
• Watch second scaffold scene • AP Practice Quiz Passage on TSL
• Incorporating quotations into writing— • Share Character Recipes
They Say, I Say p. 42-51 • Listen/read: “Hester Prynne: Sinner,
• Write one or two paragraphs answering Victim, Object, Winner”
a part of a question from the [http://www.npr.org/templates/story/s
“Questions for Essay and/or tory.php?storyId=87805369]
Discussion”; use quotations from the
text HW: Study for test; prepare for Socratic
Seminar
HW: chapters 16-20; questions; Reaction
paper (include quotations and three Fri 11/16
participles as sentence starts—put • Socratic Seminar
participles in italics) • Essential Question: What is one of
Hawthorne’s messages in The Scarlet
End of Quarter One Letter, and how does he argue it?

Tues 11/20

• No RT quiz this week
• The Scarlet Letter novel test
• AP Rhetorical Analysis Essay
• Novel turn-in [no book=no test]

Thanksgiving Break

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Chapter Questions
10 questions are required for each section of reading. You need to answer at least one
question per chapter. Please include the full question and chapter, skip a line, then
answer in complete and mature sentences. These are online for your convenience.

Chapter 1
1. What is the setting of The Scarlet Letter?
2. Why does Hawthorne begin the story with a reflection about the need for a cemetery and a prison?
3. What is the significance of the wild rosebush that grows beside the prison door?
4. Who was Ann Hutchinson?
5. What does Hawthorne achieve by his reference to “the sainted Ann Hutchinson?”
Chapter 2
1. On what note does this chapter begin?
2. What is Hawthorne saying about the Puritan women of the New World?
3. For what sin is Hester Prynne condemned?
4. What is the Old Testament punishment for adultery?
5. What is the public view of Hester’s sin as expressed by the women outside the prison?
What do their comments suggest about this society?
6. What is Hester’s punishment?
7. What is surprising about the “A” Hester has sewn for herself? What might this indicate?
8. What is accomplished by Hawthorne’s allusion to the Madonna and Child?
9. Considering the common use of physiognomy in pre-twentieth-century literature, what might Hawthorne be
suggesting by portraying Hester as extremely beautiful?
10. What does the flashback reveal about Hester’s past?
Chapter 3
1. What purpose does the conversation between the townsman and the stranger at the beginning of this chapter serve?
2. Why wasn’t Hester sentenced to death for her adultery?
3. Where has the stranger been? What motion does he make to Hester?
4. Who is Dimmesdale? What appeal does he use to convince Hester to reveal the baby’s father?
5. What is Hawthorne foreshadowing with the stranger’s prediction that the name of the father will eventually be
disclosed?
6. What is ironic about Dimmesdale’s reaction to Hester’s refusal to name the father of her child?
7. Explain the allusion in the townsman’s telling Chillingworth, “that matter remaineth a riddle; and the Daniel who shall
expound it is yet a-wanting.”
Chapter 4
1. Who does the stranger Hester recognized in the crowd that afternoon turn out to be?
2. Why does Hester fear Chillingworth?
3. Again, given the use of physiognomy in literature, what is Hawthorne suggesting by Chillingworth’s aged, deformed
appearance?
4. Explain Chillingworth’s attitude toward Hester.
5. What does Chillingworth intend to do and why?
6. What does Chillingworth ask Hester to promise? Why does she agree?
7. What is foreshadowed by Chillingworth and Hester’s exchange at the end of the
chapter?
Chapter 5
1. How is Hester’s emergence from the prison at the end of her confinement different from her emergence on the day she
stood in public humiliation?
2. What traditional dichotomy does Hawthorne begin to establish with the location of Hester’s cottage?
3. Give two reasons why Hester decides to remain instead of moving to a less-restrictive colony.
4. How do the townspeople treat Hester, and how does she react?
5. How does Hester’s character evolve?
6. Describe the difference between Hester’s clothing and her child’s.
7. What point is Hawthorne making about an individual’s ability to separate oneself from one’s wrongdoings?
8. Where do Hawthorne’s sympathies lie? How do you know?
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Chapter 6
1. What, according to the narrator, is ironic about Pearl’s existence?
2. What is the significance of Pearl’s name?
3. What is significant about Pearl’s temperament?
4. Explain the ambiguity concerning Pearl’s background.
5. Hester believes that, while society punishes her for sinning, God has a different reaction. How does Hester explain
Pearl’s existence?
Chapter 7
1. How sincerely concerned are the townspeople of Salem for the souls of Hester and Pearl?
2. Compare the Governor’s garden with gardens in Old England. What is significant about the difference?
3. How is Pearl dressed, and what is her dress compared to?
4. Where else have we seen a rose bush in this novel?
5. What was its significance then?
6. Does it maintain the same significance here?
Chapter 8
1. Explain the Puritan attitude toward luxury and how Governor Bellingham and the
Reverend John Wilson responded to it.
2. How do the magistrates react to Pearl and why?
3. How does Hester behave towards the magistrates and why?
4. Why does Hester feel that Arthur Dimmesdale should speak on her behalf?
5. Why would Hawthorne have Pearl perform such an uncharacteristically tender action?
6. What does Chillingworth note about Dimmesdale’s defense of Hester?
7. Describe how Dimmesdale has changed since Hester’s public punishment.
8. Describe how Chillingworth has changed over the last few years.
9. What would physiognomy suggest about Dimmesdale and Chillingworth?
10. Why would Hawthorne want to include Mistress Hibbins as a minor character in this book?
Chapter 9
1. Why doesn’t Chillingworth assert his rights as Hester’s husband?
2. A difference of opinion arises over the cause of Dimmesdale’s failing health. Compare
the townspeople’s opinion to Dimmesdale’s.
3. Why does Dimmesdale reject Chillingworth’s offer of help? What finally persuades him to accept the offer?
4. Explain the ambiguity of the chapter’s title, “The Leech.”
5. The passage sets up an interesting contrast between two types of men. What is this contrast, and how is it likely to
shape the future of the novel?
6. Describe Chillingworth’s method for treating illness.
7. Describe the relationship between Dimmesdale and Chillingworth.
8. Some people in the community feel that God has sent Chillingworth to heal their minister, but other people have a
different view. Explain the second view about Chillingworth.
9. How do the people explain “the gloom and terror in the depths of the poor minister’s eyes”?
10. What is suggested by the names Chillingworth and Dimmesdale?
Chapter 10
1. What is suspicious about Dimmesdale’s position in his debate with Chillingworth about sin?
2. How do the black flowers initiate a discussion on hidden sins?
3. How does Dimmesdale’s rationale for not confessing a hidden sin support the doctrine of salvation by works rather
than salvation by faith?
4. What metaphors does Hawthorne establish for Chillingworth’s probe? How do they further define Chillingworth’s
character?
5. What does Chillingworth mean when he mutters, “A strange sympathy betwixt soul and body! Were it only for the
art’s sake, I must search this matter to the bottom!”?
6. What does Chillingworth do while Dimmesdale sleeps, and what does his action symbolize? Describe Chillingworth’s
reaction and what his response reveals about his character.
7. What do you suppose is the specific secret that Chillingworth discovers?
Chapter 11
1. Explain the statement, “He [Chillingworth] became, thenceforth, not a spectator only, but a chief actor, in the poor
minister’s interior world.”
2. What is ironic about Dimmesdale’s incredible success as a minister?
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3. Why are Dimmesdale’s public assertions of guilt ironic?
4. Explain the ways that Dimmesdale tortures himself.
5. Comparing Dimmesdale’s current struggle with his sin with Hawthorne’s earlier treatment of Hester and her sin, what
is Hawthorne suggesting about the effects of sin?
6. What is ironic about Hawthorne’s portrayal of the Puritan society, in terms of this developing theme?
Chapter 12
1. How is the episode of Dimmesdale’s midnight vigil on the scaffold structurally significant?
2. What is the significance of Pearl’s challenge to Dimmesdale?
3. Considering the role of Nature in Anti-Transcendental literature, what is the significance of the meteor event?
4. Although Governor Winthrop is merely mentioned in the book, why would Hawthorne choose this night as the night
Dimmesdale stands on the scaffold with Hester and Pearl?
5. How does Dimmesdale feel as he holds Pearl’s hand and why?
6. Why does Pearl pull away from Dimmesdale?
7. What effect does Dimmesdale’s vigil have on his career?
Chapter 13
1. What is significant about Hester’s position in the community now that years have passed?
2. Compare the feelings of the general public to those of the community leaders regarding Hester Prynne. Explain why
the groups view her differently.
3. What social and philosophical changes is Hawthorne describing in this chapter?
4. Explain the statement: “It is remarkable, that persons who speculate the most boldly often conform with the most
perfect quietude to the external regulations of society. The thought suffices them….”
5. Compare the initial intent behind the scarlet letter to the actual effect on Hester.
6. What does Hester resolve to do and why?
7. What is Hawthorne’s point comparing Hester’s and Dimmesdale’s reactions to their sin?
8. What image is Hawthorne evoking with Chillingworth, old, one shoulder higher than the other, digging up roots and
collecting leaves, etc. in the forest?
Chapter 14
1. Notice that Chillingworth is called a “leech” in the chapters in which he interacts with Dimmesdale, but a “physician”
in this interaction with Hester. Considering the definition of “leech,” what do you suppose is Hawthorne’s point in using
these two designations?
2. What is Hester’s response to the announcement that the Council had debated allowing her to remove her scarlet letter?
3. Look again at what you found out about the Anti-Transcendentalists. Why isn’t forgiveness an option?
4. How is the doctrine of predestination reflected in this conversation between Hester and Chillingworth?
5. Why does Chillingworth believe he has a double reason for punishing Dimmesdale?
6. Compare Hester, Dimmesdale, and Chillingworth in terms of their responses to the initial sin.
7. What pleas of Hester’s arouse sympathy and admiration in Chillingworth?
8. What does Hester ask of Chillingworth? What is his response?
Chapter 15
1. What is Hester coming to realize is the true sin she has committed? Why would Hawthorne consider this a worse sin
than her sin with Dimmesdale?
2. What does Hester realize about her “repentance”?
3. Why does Hester hate Chillingworth?
4. Hester refuses to answer Pearl’s question about the meaning of the “A.” Why does Hester not confide in Pearl?
5. Why does Hawthorne portray Pearl as such a wild child?
6. How have Hester’s conversations with Chillingworth and Pearl changed her attitude toward herself and her sin?
Chapter 16
1. Explain the significance of the sunlight imagery.
2. When Hester determines to warn Dimmesdale about Chillingworth, why does the meeting take place in the forest?
3. Explain the probable allusion in the line “the minister and she would need the whole wide world to breathe in.”
4. What positive significance does the forest begin to take on?
5. What negative significance does the forest begin to assume?
6. In what way does Hester acknowledge her sin to Pearl?
Chapter 17
1. How is Hawthorne advancing his theme of the difference between revealed and secret sin?
2. Explain the distinction Dimmesdale makes between penance and penitence.
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3. What do we learn is the emotional connection between Hester and Dimmesdale? Why is this significant to the
developing theme of the book?
4. Do you believe Hester is to blame for Dimmesdale’s suffering during the past seven years? Why or why not?
5. What theme about the nature of sin finally begins to emerge in Hester and Dimmesdale’s conversation?
6. Here is a key question for Hawthorne and the Anti-Transcendentalists: can a “polluted soul” do good for others?
7. Who are the heartless people with laws of iron to whom Hester refers?
8. This chapter ends on an optimistic note. What is the source of the optimism?
Chapter 18
1. What contrast does the narrator point out between Hester and Dimmesdale’s ability to leave town?
2. Why does Dimmesdale decide to flee with Hester?
3. What is significant about the title of this chapter?
4. How does Hawthorne reinforce his idea that nature is sympathetic with the union of Hester and Dimmesdale?
5. Why would children dislike Dimmesdale?
Chapter 19
1. Beyond Hester’s explanation, why won’t Pearl come to Hester without the scarlet letter?
2. What is significant about the fact that Pearl will not bring her the scarlet letter, but makes her pick it up for herself?
3. Why won’t Pearl show any affection to Dimmesdale? Why does she want him to walk with them hand-in-hand in the
marketplace?
4. This chapter begins on the same optimistic note that ends the previous chapter. On what kind of note does the chapter
end? Why?
Chapter 20
1. What would account for Dimmesdale’s sudden change?
2. In terms of Hawthorne’s theme contrasting hidden sin versus revealed sin, how can you explain Dimmesdale’s change
in this chapter?
3. Why is the chapter called “The Minister in a Maze”?
Chapter 21
1. Compare these first-generation New Englanders with their recent English ancestors and with their future New England
descendents.
2. What distressing news does Hester receive from the ship captain?
3. In addition to providing more information, what other purpose does this chapter serve?
Chapter 22
1. What is Hawthorne’s point about the governors’ ability to govern? Does he seem to find fault with them? Why or why
not?
2. What is the source of Dimmesdale’s apparent new strength?
3. What does Pearl want from Dimmesdale?
4. Explain the remarks, “The sainted minister in the church! The woman of the scarlet letter in the market-place!”
5. What is Mistress Hibbins saying about the people of Salem Village?
6. What clues has Hawthorne offered his reader to prepare him or her for the revelation of the scarlet letter on his chest?
Chapter 23
1. Many critics believe the novel is structured around the three scaffold scenes: the ones in Chapters 2 and 12, and this
one. Explain how each fits into the typical plot scheme of conflict, rising action, climax, falling action, and conclusion.
2. Why does Dimmesdale stand “on the very proudest eminence of superiority” before the crowd?
3. What does Chillingworth mean when he says, “There was no one place…where thou couldst have escaped me—save
on this very scaffold!”
4. In what way is Dimmesdale’s sin worse than Hester’s? Of Hester, Chillingworth, and Dimmesdale, whose sin is the
worst? Why?
5. What accounts for the change in Pearl?
Chapter 24
1. What theories are given about the scarlet letter imprinted in the minister’s flesh?
2. Why does Hawthorne leave the origin of Dimmesdale’s mark ambiguous?
3. What happens to Chillingworth? What does he give Pearl?
4. What becomes of Pearl?
5. Why do you suppose Hester returns to Salem? What might be Hawthorne’s point about sin, repentance, and
redemption?
6. Why would Hawthorne allow the story to end with Hester and Dimmesdale being remembered so ignominiously?

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Name:_______________________________ Date:_________

Hyphenated Adjectives (compound adjectives)

1. The home school movement continues to grow in America.

2. Fred’s ninety dollar jacket is under the bleachers.

3. The three month baby sat near the door.

4. Kramer applied for a small business loan.

5. Hanna’s long term plan is to finish college.

6. Her better late than never attitude annoyed us.

7. The DMZ is a two hour trip.

8. Her bird like nose was the focus point of discussion.

9. Our compound adjective lesson flew past the students.

10. Does America portray a hands off attitude in some countries while
maintaining an in your face posture in others?

Try your own:

1._______________________________________________________

2._______________________________________________________

3._______________________________________________________

4._______________________________________________________

5._______________________________________________________

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The Scarlet Letter
QUESTIONS FOR ESSAY AND/OR DISCUSSION

Reaction Paper: Pick one of these topics to write a 500-word response. Use a minimum of
one quotation (not counted in word count), and, in the second Reaction paper, underline
one example of a hyphenated adjective and a sentence beginning with a participle.

1. Identify the sin of Hester, Dimmesdale, and Chillingworth, and trace the consequences of
that sin on the person’s life and character.

2. It is hard to believe today that a community would treat one of its members the way in
which Hester was treated. What features of the Boston society in 1642, however, make
the actions of the Puritans quite understandable?

3. Despite the difference in clothing and customs, how do the psychological and moral
aspects of this story make it very relevant for today’s readers?

4. Identify and explain at least three ways in which Hawthorne is part of the Romantic
tradition and at least two ways in which he repudiates that tradition.

5. For what reasons would Hawthorne call his story a romance rather than a novel?

6. Name three characteristics of Hawthorne’s style and cite examples of each.

7. Identify and explain the symbolism for each of the following items:
a. light and shadow
b. the scaffold
c. the rosebush and the weeds
d. the letter “A”
e. colors
f. the forest
g. the town
8. Explain Hawthorne’s view on human nature regarding passion.

9. According to Hawthorne, what are the moral consequences of sin and how does one
become redeemed? Cite incidents from the story.

10. Show that Hester is one of literature’s first feminists using examples from the text.

11. Explain how the second scene on the scaffold serves as the novel’s climax.

12. Consider the characters Pearl, Dimmesdale, and Chillingworth. How are their names
symbolic?

13. Hawthorne uses historical characters—Governor Bellingham, John Wilson, and Mistress
Hibbins—and true depictions of Puritan society and beliefs to add authenticity to his
work. Explain the effects that these elements make.

14. Compare Hester’s scarlet letter to Dimmesdale’s letter.

15. Describe Hawthorne’s use of dramatic irony, and cite examples for support.
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You can choose to write your Reaction Papers on these topics as well.

Quotations from Nathaniel Hawthorne

• In our nature, however, there is a provision, alike marvelous and merciful, that the
sufferer should never know the intensity of what he endures by its present torture, but
chiefly by the pang that rankles after it. (p. 62)

• When an uninstructed multitude attempts to see with its eyes, it is exceedingly apt to be
deceived. When, however it forms its judgment, as it usually does, on the intuitions of its
great and warm heart, the conclusions thus attained are often profound and so unerring, as
to possess the character of truths supernaturally revealed. (p. 125)

• Trusting no man as his friend, he could not recognize his enemy when the latter actually
appeared. (p. 128)

• To the untrue man, the whole universe is false. (p. 142)

• It is remarkable that persons who speculate the most boldly often conform with the most
perfect quietude to the external regulations of society. (p. 159)

• No man for any considerable period can wear one face to himself and another to the
multitude, without finally getting bewildered as to which may be the true. (p. 203)

• It is a curious subject of observation and inquiry, whether hatred and love be not the
same thing at bottom. (p. 242)

Irony in The Scarlet Letter

Upon reflection it becomes apparent that Hawthorne has included a good bit of irony in The
Scarlet Letter. The following occurrences might be explored according to their ironic
aspects.

1. Roger Chillingworth is punished more than Hester. (p. 138)
2. Pearl is dressed as a lady of great wealth, and she eventually becomes a lady of great
wealth. (p. 103)
3. Even though Hester could have left Boston, she chooses to remain in the town where she
committed and was
punished for her sin. (p. 83)
4. Pearl’s name implies purity and serenity. (p. 91)
5. The scarlet letter gains Hester respect in the community. (pp. 156-157, 190)
6. Dimmesdale was deceived by Chillingworth because “Trusting no man as his friend, he
could not recognize his enemy when the latter actually appeared.” (p. 128)

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The Scarlet Letter Character Recipe
Mr. Coia

Objective: You will demonstrate your understanding of a character by “creating” them in a
recipe form. Imagine that you were to cook up that character. I’m asking you to record
what comprises that person.

Preparation Tips:
Prewriting
1. Select a character from The Scarlet Letter
2. List character traits and descriptions as they appear in the novel, short story, biography,
etc.
3. Determine and list events or forces that they believe helped shape the character.
4. Look at a few recipes from magazines to see how they are written.

Writing
Create a recipe that the author might have used to develop the character they have
selected. Baste themselves in creative juices every so often. You’ll need at least 10
ingredients, and the directions should be somehow connected to the character.

Revising
Stir. Add ingredients. Check to make sure preparation instructions are clear and in logical
order.

Proofreading
Check spelling, abbreviations for measurements, and that preparation instructions are
delivered using imperative sentences (if you don’t know what one is, find out!).

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Here’s an example:

Beverly Lewis
10/18/2010
Character Recipe
LA 11
Mr. Coia
173 words
Reverend Hale’s Puritan Turnovers

Ingredients:

3 cups Religious Fervor (Puritan flavor)
1 cup Fear of Authorities
1 bunch Books Weighted with Authority
3 heaping tablespoons Pride
2 cups Faulty Logic
3 drops Yellow food coloring
pinch of Truth
1 pint Compassion
sprinkle Guilt
1 piece Rope

Directions:

Start with Religious Fervor and Books Weighted with Authorities. Knead
until thoroughly mixed. Slowly fold in Faulty Logic, one chunk at a time.
Sprinkle Pride over mixture and blend until thoroughly combined. Place in a
hot Salem kettle. When mixture is in the heat, the backbone will be
exposed. Carefully remove and discard. Add Yellow food coloring.

During cooking, mixture will slowly turn colors. Carefully add Truth. The
yellow color will fade, giving way to a vibrant color. The Pride in the mixture
will shrink, giving way to a healthier formation. Add Compassion. The
Turnovers will remove themselves from the heat. Serve on a plain dish,
garnished with a portion of Rope .

Preparation Time: Three months

Serves: Two people: Elizabeth and John Proctor. Perhaps not quite enough
for either.
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